Speakers and Headphones

Jawbone Jambox wireless speaker

The Jambox is a wireless speaker that, using a Bluetooth connection to your smartphone, can play any music you start on your smartphone. Sound quality is surprisingly good from a speaker that is about the size of a four-pack of butter, with rich bass and no peaky behavior at the high end.

Even more impressive are the speakerphone capabilities: the Jambox can also function as a high-quality two-way hands-free module, with one-touch voice dialing. The rechargeable battery means the speaker can be taken anywhere. It will even alert you by voice when its battery is low.
Connecting the Jambox to your PC via the included USB cable lets the device be updated for new features and device compatibility. Setup takes all of 30 seconds, and while the $200 price is on the high side, the Jambox does not disappoint.

$200

AKG K 390 NC noise-canceling headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are popular among frequent fliers. While many models are of the bulkier over-the-ear type, AKG is one of the manufacturers that make compact earbuds that actively cancel noise.

The technology required for rendering things silent does not reside in the earbuds themselves, but in a small, battery-operated module that hangs along the cord. Controls for iPhone and iPod playback are included, and the headphones can work without the battery-powered noise-canceling module, as regular, high-quality earbuds.

Considering that space is increasingly a premium on flights, why not get all the benefit of active noise cancelation without having to find room in your carry-on for a pair of pro-style headphones?

($200)

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